quote:
Honestly, I would like the best of both worlds. However, "long range" isn't clear cut in my eyes. What is considered long range? 100 yards? 150 yards? 200 yards?

For example: I know ACOG's are good for close acquisition/close quarters, but would they also be good for up to 50 yards? Up to 100 yards?

Those are the kinds of things I don't have a clue about.

This is my opinion only.

Long range for me is 800-1200 yards.

Id consider an AR a mid range gun with a max of 600 yards. Im not taking into account a 24" barrel single loaded with 90 grain moly coated thing-a-ma-jig bullets. Im talking 16-18" barrels shooting a match 75gr load.

As far as optics, I wouldnt consider the ACOG to be a good CQB type optic. The 4x magnification is to much for quick acquisition for sub 150 yards. They are very nice and a good all around optic for military use(25-600 yards). There are better options for sub 100 yard shooting.

Non magnified optics like Aimpoint/Eotechs/Vortex Sparc...etc...etc. Very good out to about 100 yards or wherever you zero. Not so good out to 600 unless you use a magnifier which makes it heavy. Differences between Aimpoint/Eotech equate to field of view through the optic and battery life. Both are very robust sights, both have their own backers.

I choose eotech for the field of view and if I had my way itd be an Eotech XPS3.

However, there are a new breed of scopes coming out that are very very very impressive. US Optics and Vortex just released some variable scopes like the 1-6x Razor and 1-8x USO. These are true 1x when set at 1x and give the capability to actually spot a target at 600 yards. There are cheaper options in the 1-4x range and those would suit 99% of the hobby shooters.

Of all options, Id choose the 1-6x Vortex Razor, its not any heavier than an EOtech with magnifier. It offers a true 1x for close up, yet has the magnification to shoot mid range distances.

Other more exoctic options like the Elcans are cool and all, but they just dont tickle my fancy very much.

If I were to buy an optic today for my 14.5" AR, it would be the Vortex razor 1-6x or something like it.

If you are around Hammond, go stop by SportOptics and talk to Chris or Jay. They will get you setup and let you fondle anything they have in stock.